Support
Support

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with anxiety.

Start a conversation

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a conversation

Pinned discussions

BeyondBlue Hi! Check out this post if you're not sure how to start
  • replies: 0

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are... View more

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are really interested in what you might want to add to these conversations. We get it, having anxiety makes it hard to share in a public place. Remember, this is anonymous and the Beyond Blue team are here to help if you need it This section is for people who are experiencing anxiety in some form in their lives. This might be in social settings, at work, or just in the day to day. You don’t need a diagnosis to post here. If it feels like the right spot for your post, go right ahead! We know that feeling anxious can make it hard to reach out so we want you to know that getting this far is amazing and a great start. A few tips for getting the most out of this section: Get involved when you can! Posting and replying is the heartbeat of this community and you DO have something worthwhile to share (when you’re ready ) Every experience is different. There is no competition here. We know how challenging anxiety can be and how it comes in all shapes and sizes. What you are experiencing will be respected and supported here. Trust yourself! You are the expert in your experience. This community works because people like you share what has worked for you. Thank you for getting involved and taking a look. We can’t wait to hear from you! Beyond Blue

All discussions

Start a conversation

Richard01 When the floor disappears
  • replies: 5

Hi, I have been very low for the past 2 weeks and normally I lift after a few days but this time it feels like the floor has disappeared from under me.The anxiety, panic, overwhelming fear , the paranoia and dread, everything will fail and come to a ... View more

Hi, I have been very low for the past 2 weeks and normally I lift after a few days but this time it feels like the floor has disappeared from under me.The anxiety, panic, overwhelming fear , the paranoia and dread, everything will fail and come to a catastrophic end . And to think prior to this I was confident and enjoying life being the man who is on top of everything .I run a small business and its going well, I manage clients, i look after my elderly parents, etc etc if there’s an issue Im motivated to resolve it. Looking back I was oblivious to what lay ahead.Since I was young I had highs and lows , medicated then stopped and managed with excesses . This time is different and I actually reached out for helpKeep talking, messaging, communicating how you feel and we will find a way round this mess.

Guest_48836861 In my 40s and still feel worthless, undeserving and unattractive
  • replies: 2

Im 44, and have never felt pure joy in life. I have never felt self concious and disgusting. I cant stand mirrors. I have zero self worth. No confidence, i fake smiles every day. My partner tells me he loves me, I dont believe him. People tell me I a... View more

Im 44, and have never felt pure joy in life. I have never felt self concious and disgusting. I cant stand mirrors. I have zero self worth. No confidence, i fake smiles every day. My partner tells me he loves me, I dont believe him. People tell me I am attractive and intelligent, I truly believe they are delusional. Anyone who pays me a compliment is being kind because they must feel sorry for me. I someone was about to get hit by a bus, I would jump in the way to save them because I would beloved their life is more valuable than mine. I cry for hours feeling completely hopelessness and heart break that I am old and ugly.

string_cheese Scared of change and growing and the future
  • replies: 5

Hi there, today I am just overwhelmed by thoughts about how uncertainty and risk is going to turn out in the future. At the moment, I am trying to let go of my control issues and accepting imperfection at work and in love. But while I'm doing that it... View more

Hi there, today I am just overwhelmed by thoughts about how uncertainty and risk is going to turn out in the future. At the moment, I am trying to let go of my control issues and accepting imperfection at work and in love. But while I'm doing that it brings up so many feelings of anger and disappointment and shame and confusion. Sometimes I find it hard to cope with those feelings. Am I going crazy? What can I do to make it easier? I really need to be able to deal with these feelings because I know in life they are guaranteed.

Rach_den23_ Perimenopause
  • replies: 1

Hi, does anyone feel woozy and off balance with Perimenopause. I struggle more with it when standing still, I am struggling to go shopping because standing at the counter waiting makes me feel like I am going to fall over. Driving at times has been a... View more

Hi, does anyone feel woozy and off balance with Perimenopause. I struggle more with it when standing still, I am struggling to go shopping because standing at the counter waiting makes me feel like I am going to fall over. Driving at times has been a struggle too

Narlee Severe Anxiety
  • replies: 1

Hi, I’m natalie…the 4th of may, i ended up going through a very traumatic experience. i ended up having a very severe anxiety attack. at the time i wasn’t aware it was my anxiety but looking back at it now, all the signs were there.i was in the showe... View more

Hi, I’m natalie…the 4th of may, i ended up going through a very traumatic experience. i ended up having a very severe anxiety attack. at the time i wasn’t aware it was my anxiety but looking back at it now, all the signs were there.i was in the shower, then all of a sudden my bathroom walls starts closing in on me and my head was moving 100x a second, random thoughts and scary ones. i ended up going to my sisters that night and for the whole week as well. to this day i’m still dealing with it and severe episodes. my main fear is going crazy and ending up in my local psych ward. i have a daughter, she’s my rock and my world. also for context, i had locked myself in my house for about 6 months… barely saw my friends and when i did i would drink, go out clubbing. i’m such a social person as well. i love going out and seeing my friends and family but ever since my severe anxiety/panic attack i have to retire my brain to be social. i was at my local plaza yesterday and i had to leave within five minutes because it was all too much for me. luckily my best friend is more then perfect to accompany me in whatever i need to feel relaxed and safe. sometimes i feel like an actual toddler learning how to do things again and not only that my brain likes to try and make me feel like i’m not real and things around me aren’t real as well. it’s a constant battle, i have to pinch/bite myself and i’ve gone to the extent of putting my hand under scorching hot water to feel something… to feel like i’m alive… i know i’m not crazy and i know it’s all in my head but i’m also very impatient and just want to feel ‘normal’ again…also i have my first therapy session this friday which i’m so so excited for :))

C-S I lose all my motivation
  • replies: 3

I quitted my job on Oct last year because I was feeling burned out. I was tired to deal with the add-on work loads, phone calls and the lack of lunch break. But I really like the people I was working with. I started to look for new job on Feb this ye... View more

I quitted my job on Oct last year because I was feeling burned out. I was tired to deal with the add-on work loads, phone calls and the lack of lunch break. But I really like the people I was working with. I started to look for new job on Feb this year, and was able to get an offer on March. I quitted again after 2 months because of the people and the complete lack of motivation to do any work, I was able to do my job but I just couldn't handle my co-worker who was constantly spreading her negativity. I also found it difficult to wake up early in the morning without feeling drained. I started browsing job ad again recently, but I was hesitate to apply just by looking at the role. The anxiety and lack of motivation associated with working outweigh the pay check. I feel like life is too long. I don't know how to explain this feeling. I don't know what is wrong with me

J1980 OCD and Intrusive thoughts
  • replies: 3

Hey there, is there anyone out there struggling witj OCD and Intrusive thoughts? Ive struggled for a long time and havent had much success due to the nature of my thoughts. My thoughts are quite vile and disturbing which is why Im finding it so hard ... View more

Hey there, is there anyone out there struggling witj OCD and Intrusive thoughts? Ive struggled for a long time and havent had much success due to the nature of my thoughts. My thoughts are quite vile and disturbing which is why Im finding it so hard to manage. Im a loving husband and father who just wants peace and for my brain not to be constantly throwing these absurd thoughts and images at me. Im a good man!Can anyone relate?

ADC Unbearable OCD
  • replies: 1

Hi I have uncontrollable thoughts and worries, I never get a break from it. OCD has made my life hell and I constantly cry but no one is there for support

Hi I have uncontrollable thoughts and worries, I never get a break from it. OCD has made my life hell and I constantly cry but no one is there for support

Guest_32241061 Seeking recommendations- workplace performance anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi, I’m seeking recommendations for someone to speak to who may be able to help me with workplace performance anxiety in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.It’s the feeling that your heart rate increases in the moments leading up to your turn to speak.... View more

Hi, I’m seeking recommendations for someone to speak to who may be able to help me with workplace performance anxiety in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.It’s the feeling that your heart rate increases in the moments leading up to your turn to speak. So much so you can’t focus on the discourse occurring right in front of you because you’re trying to think of what you’ll say when it’s your turn, to the point that you’re trying to get the word order correct. It makes you worried you will come across as nervous and therefore incapable because your voice trembles and the pauses you take are just a bit too long and often and the cycle begins. It’s this feeling that makes you avoid situations that ultimately hold you back from reaching your potential. It’s been happening my whole career and am now keen to speak to someone but I’d like to look past the glossy websites and ask real people with real experiences with good people who they may recommend. Can anyone share with me please?

Guest_44797746 Cant go to work
  • replies: 1

I have been going through a lot the past couple of years, my mum having alzheimers and having to put her in care, finding out family secrets that I have an older full blood sister, and having severe depression and anxiety. I have had support through ... View more

I have been going through a lot the past couple of years, my mum having alzheimers and having to put her in care, finding out family secrets that I have an older full blood sister, and having severe depression and anxiety. I have had support through counselling and psychologists which have been great but lately I have taken a lower dose of my anti depressant as I need a new script and have to wait for doctors appointment and trying to have what I have last, I’ve also missed a couple of days. I keep getting ready to go to work and go to leave but I physically can’t leave the house…I have a doctors appointment in morning but don’t have a regular doctor as it’s so hard to find one now

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map